"The Island of Innisfallen is in extent about twenty-one acres, and contains a small banqueting-house and the ruins of an abbey, founded in 600; the former being a restored part of an ancient oratory. There the Annals of Innisfallen were composed. These Annals, which were written and preserved in the abbey, are amongst the most prized of early historic materials. Several copies are still extant. The original, the first portion of which is written over 600 and the continuation over 500 years, is now preserved in the Bodleian Library.

Innisfallen receives from all travellers the distinction of being the most beautiful, as it is certainly the most interesting, of the Lake Islands. Its peculiar beauty is derived from the alternating hill and dale within its small circle, the elegance of its miniature creeks and harbours, and the extraordinary size as well as luxuriance of its evergreens.

From the paths which meander along the diversified outline of this interesting island the most lovely and ever-changing views are obtained, by the varied surface, and the alternation of the forest glades and thickets. From these delightful openings the lofty peaks of the distant Tomies and Glena, with the misty summits of the Purple Mountains - which form the southern boundary of this lake - are distinctly seen; while between the dark stems of the trees glimpses are caught of the sparkling waters below and the more sunny shores. From its situation, variety, beauty of surface, and its magnificent ample trees and shrubs, this Island is one of the most interesting of the numerous objects which this rigion of wonder and beauty affords."

Descriptive letterpress from the book 'Photographs of Killarney' by J Hudson